Black Lake

Black Lake 

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest 

Difficulty: Easy (kid-friendly)
Distance: 1.2 miles (one way)
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Best time to go: July-October 

About this Hike 

This short hike brings you to Black Lake, where you'll find four campgrounds and great views of Van Patten Peak. Begin at Anthony Lake picnic area gazebo and 0.3 miles to your left, around the lake and near the boat ramp. From there you can take the Black Lake Trail past Lilypad Lake and through multiple meadows. Keep right at any junctions and incline 0.4 miles before reaching Black Lake. 

About the Area

Black Lake is in the glacially carved Elkhorn Range less than a mile from better-known Anthony Lake, which has a picnic area, boat ramp, campground, historic guard station, and nearby ski resort. Both lakes are just outside the North Fork John Day Wilderness boundary, and both are above 7000 feet along the Elkhorn Crest Trail, which affords the best views of the Elkhorn Range.

Getting There

1. Take interstate 84 north of Baker City for 19 miles. 

2. Take exit 285 for North Powder and follow signs for "Anthony Lakes" for approximately 21 miles on a road that eventually becomes Road 73. 

3. Turn left for Anthony Lakes Campground, and fork to the right for a picnic area.